Middle Ear

Most ear infections form in the middle ear. The eustachian tube carries fluid from the middle ear to the throat. Sometimes during a cold, the eustachian tube becomes swollen and fluid is trapped in the middle ear. Bacteria or viruses can grow in this fluid and form an ear infection.

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics

Specialist Medical Reviewer

Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology

Last Revised

September 10, 2012

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